Because "life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all" – Helen Keller

Mountains

“I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” Hilaire Belloc Here’s the thing about summer breaks in Italy – they are really long. I’m talking June to September long. That’s three months long. Which is …

“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” ―Victor Hugo, Les Misérables “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations I find that these two quotes really distill the essence of what it means to be Optimistic: every moment passes, and it …

I enjoy the city, I am at home in the country, I appreciate the ocean, but I love the mountains.

And while I adore spending time exploring just about any mountain, it is in the Austrian Alps that I find my happy place.

I must admit that I’m hard-pressed to find a spot anywhere in the Alps that I don’t enjoy, but the Austrian Alps hold a special place in my heart.

I love the people who live in the mountains of Austria, I have always found them warm, welcoming, friendly, and aware of just how fortunate they are to call such a spectacular place home.

The landscape is overpowering, it is a place that puts the world into perspective, and I cherish every moment I am able to escape to these breathtaking environs.

Whether it’s a hike through an alpine meadow, a swim in an alpine lake, or hitting one of the countless ski slopes, there is an amazing and unequaled beauty in the mountains. It’s no mystery to me why Maria (from The Sound of Music) goes to the hills when her heart is lonely.

Love these mountains

Often, there’s a beautiful sunrise

Or maybe a beautiful sunset.

Sometimes you just admire the views – Millstadt, Austria

Sometimes you can’t wait to get in the Alpine lakes – Austria’s Salzkammergut